Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York (MTA) and Metro-North Railroad open Grand Central Terminal to the public on February 1, 2013 for the celebration of its 100th Anniversary with a full day of activities, including a morning public rededication ceremony and musical performances that will keep visitors entertained well into the evening. The morning ceremony will feature elected officials, high-profile celebrities and VIPs, and performances by award-winning musicians and New York students. Throughout the day—which is hosted by Metro-North, the New York Transit Museum and other partners—members of the public can enjoy live performances, national award presentations, sponsor giveaways, special retail deals, and the opening of “Grand by Design,” a spectacular six-week exhibit that chronicles the history and impact of New York’s greatest building and one of the world’s most famous train terminals. The February 1 events are presented with support from Target.

OPENING CEREMONY

Well-known names and faces will wish the Terminal a happy birthday that morning. The day kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with a concert by the West Point Brass & Percussion (including “Grand Central Centennial Fanfare,” a new piece written for the occasion). Speakers, performers and activities at the 10 a.m. public ceremony include New York City resident Cynthia Nixon; former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins,who will read an original poem commissionedby MTA Arts for Transit; author and preservationist Caroline Kennedy whose mother Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is widely credited with saving the Terminal from destruction in the 1970s; Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Melissa Manchester; members of the Vanderbilt family whose ancestor “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt inspired the construction of Grand Central; baseball MVP Keith Hernandez; the Celia Cruz Bronx High School Choir; and several special presentations, including a surprise “sweet” delivery that caps off the event.

ABOUT SARAH CHARNESS:

A versatile violinist since the age of four, Sarah Charness captivates audiences with her vibrant sound and vivacious performances. Her unique style–which covers a range from classical to pop/electronic–has brought her to venues around the world. She has appeared at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, The Chicago Theatre, and many top nightclubs in the U.S. Sarah can be seen regularly performing both the national anthem and the opening theme song live for the New York Knicks. She has also performed at prominent fashion shows such as Pronovias, Vera Wang and the FIT alumni party. In the spring of 2010, Sarah became a member of the Trans‐Siberian Orchestra and performed as a soloist during their spring national tour. In 2011, Sarah was invited to open the Elene Cassis Fall fashion week show as a part of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. In 2012, Glee cast member Darren Criss featured Sarah in his recording of Bob Dylan’s “New Morning” the proceeds of which were donated to Amnesty International. Press coverage has included cover articles in “The Daily”, “Crains New York”, “Mann About Town”, “The International Musician”, and feature stories on “The Today Show”, New York 1, and NBC New York. Currently, Sarah is collaborating with DJ Surge and will be releasing her first track in collaboration with Surge this fall. Sarah is currently the violinist for pop R&B band “Pants Velour” having toured with them across the country.